Man dies after being trapped under excavator at Port Melbourne

A MAN has died in a tragic accident at the Port Melbourne shipping yards after he was crushed by a loader.

The incident occurred about 1pm on the Toll Holdings dock on Tuesday afternoon.

Industrial sources told the Herald Sun the man was working in the loading bay, when a vehicle designed to help move cargo ran him over.

Paramedics attended, but were unable to save the life of the man in his forties.

Victoria Police is currently preparing a report for the coroner, and WorkSafe Victoria has launched an investigation into the incident.

A Toll Holdings spokesman confirmed the man was an employee of the company, and offered their condolences to the man’s family.

“Our thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues, and counselling will be offered to all affected,” the spokesman said. “Safety is our priority, always. Toll will be conducting a full investigation and is cooperating with authorities.”

It was the second time in a month an accident happened on the West Melbourne docks, after a man was injured when the crane he was operating collapsed and trapped him.